The legal dispute between Deanna Slamans and the Philadelphia Eagles began in November 2023 when the entrepreneur filed a trademark application for “tush push.” Her action preceded a similar application filed by the Eagles through the NFL’s trademark department by a few weeks, giving her a crucial advantage in the registration process. In May, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) issued a notice of suspension for the Eagles’ application, citing Slamans’ earlier filing as a “prior-filed, potentially conflicting pending application.”
According to USPTO documents, neither the Eagles, nor the NFL, nor any other party filed a formal opposition to Slamans’ trademark application. The entrepreneur now has six months to provide evidence of commercial use of the mark or file an extension request. In March, she already submitted evidence to the USPTO, including a t-shirt and branded packaging featuring the “Tush Push” logo under the brand name Tush Push Tees. Additionally, Slamans owns the domain TushPush.com, where she showcases her collection of themed products, including t-shirts, baby bodysuits, holiday ornaments, and other merchandise related to the popular football play.
Slamans attempted to contact the Eagles early in the process but never received a response from the team. As she stated in an interview, she did not file the application to sell the rights to the trademark, suggesting that her motivation was more about protecting her own business interests than engaging in legal speculation.
Currently, Deanna Slamans holds a privileged legal position in the “tush push” trademark dispute, being first in line for registration due to her earlier filing. Her proactive approach to protecting intellectual property demonstrates a deep understanding of the market and legal mechanisms within the sports merchandise industry. The fact that the USPTO suspended the Eagles’ application, citing Slamans’ prior filing, confirms the strength of her legal position in this matter.
Furthermore, this month, Slamans filed a formal opposition to a separate trademark application for “Tush Push” submitted by PlayMonster Group, a Wisconsin-based toy and game company seeking to register the phrase for use in connection with party, board, and card games. This action demonstrates her determination to defend the rights to the phrase and her awareness of potential conflicts with other entities. A representative from PlayMonster Group did not respond to an email requesting comment, which may indicate that the company is considering its legal options.
This entire situation illustrates a fascinating case where a small entrepreneur can effectively compete with industry giants by using the legal system to protect her business interests. Slamans’ success in this case could set a precedent for other small businesses, demonstrating that swift action and a proper understanding of legal procedures can be as important as financial resources in protecting intellectual property. Regardless of the final outcome of this case, the story of Deanna Slamans will remain an example of entrepreneurial spirit and strategic thinking in the rapidly changing legal landscape of professional sports.
Fill out the form and we will get back to you within the next … with a preliminary quote.
